André Michaux

Explorer, Collector, Botanist

Explorateur, Collectionneur, Botaniste

French botanist André Michaux
(1746-1802) is remembered for his contributions to botany, horticulture
and agriculture. With French government sponsorship, Michaux traveled widely
outside France in search of plants to improve the agriculture and forestry
of his home country. He led an adventurous life. Michaux traveled in war-torn
and almost lawless lands in the Middle East, dangerous North American frontier
areas, and finally in the disease-ridden tropics. Hardship, hard work and
danger were his constant companions. He survived armed robberies, capture
by hostile tribes, encounters with dangerous wild beasts, even shipwreck.
Michaux overcame the most difficult obstacles and won the admiration of
his colleagues at the Jardin des Plantes. He magnificently represented French
science in the countries he visited.